I originally posted a version of this theory on another thread. It has to do with a proposed “general” sequence for the zombie storyline and does not include intricacies or details related to character development. This theory is based heavily on, and is intended to supplement Carbons theory supporting France as the location for the 4th and final zombie map.

In the cinematic trailer for Der Riese, we see what I believe is the demise of all (4) characters.... End of the story, yes?

Some time later, after the release of DR, Treyarch releases new "Intel" identifying NDU as the 2nd outbreak. A bit confusing....

Could it be possible that the much anticipated MP4 will, in fact, include the 1st outbreak, which actually occurred in France???

GENERAL SEQUENCE
Let’s assume that the four (4) current maps are in chronological order:

1. Nacht Der Untoten (NDU)
2. Verruckt (VER)
3. Shi No Numa (SNN)
4. Der Riese (DRI)

I am assuming that air travel is the only plausible method for covering great distances during this time period, thus after confronting the zombie threat in France, (which we have yet to see), we find ourselves in Germany at NDU, an airport. Assume that the original team we met at NDU arrived there from France. I believe this team was in danger if being over-run in France, retreated to NDU. The team was ultimately over-run.

Having heard of the losses in France and at NDU, and at the request of the newly formed United Nations, the Marines form a crew, led by Tank Dempsey to confront the zombie menace. The team arrives at Verruckt, in Germany, to confront the spreading zombie threat and is nearly over-run. The remnants of the team narrowly escape. Tank Dempsey is the sole survivor.

After the defeat in France, NDU, and Verruckt, a new "international team" is assembled. The zombie outbreak has since spread over much of Europe (speedy SOB's). The new crew which is made up of the (4) main characters we all have become accustomed to, arrive in SNN, which is on the front lines of the expanding zombie outbreak. At SNN, which is located near the site of the Tunguska event in what is now Russia, the international team confronts the zombie menace. The zombies are defeated at SNN.

After the successes at SNN, the “now veteran” international team of zombie killers pursues the zombie menace to a final showdown at Der Riese. As reflected in the cinematic trailer, the team is ultimately wiped out, leaving the door open to a full blown zombie game to be released at a later date.

In my opinion, the chronological placement of the final map as the 1st outbreak would enhance the story, bring NDU into the main storyline, leaves the details of the established storyline intact, and would be a clean way to close out the zombie map packs. And kind of like star wars, the end of the story was released prior to the beginning